Marco Rubio Courts Connecticut Republicans

Republican presidential candidate and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida found many friends among the 800 Connecticut Republicans who attended Thursday night’s 37th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner in Stamford.

Rubio received a standing ovation after a 23-minute keynote speech he gave at the fundraising event for the state Republican party held at the Crowne Plaza on Summer Street, according to The Courant.

Rubio is considered by some to be the best candidate to fend off top contender for the Democratic nomination, Hillary Clinton who will be attending her own fund-raiser at held at the home of retired financial trader and philanthropist Malcolm Wiener and his wife Carolyn who live on Greenwich shoreline Friday evening.

Rubio said protection of the rights of gun owners, removal of the marriage penalty in the federal tax code, stopping reductions to the American military and helping Israel are among his top priorities, according to The Courant.

Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei met Rubio before the dinner that cost supporters $250 for a ticket.

“The Senator is personable, articulate and inspiring — the real deal and has core values rooted in being a first generation American,” Tesei said.

The Courant story can be found here.

Photo #1: U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio at the Prescott Bush Awards dinner in Stamford. #2: Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei, left, with U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio. Credit: Courtesy of Peter Tesei.